When the Tooth Fairy is Not Enough

Dr. Xavier Azar, DDS, MPH
AuthorHouse (2008)
ISBN 9781438927480
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (5/09)


I have to say I loved this book. Although for some it is common sense – there are many out there who do not realize what they are doing to their children’s teeth at an early age. I gave this to my daughter to read for my 4-year-old granddaughter who sometimes misses dental care.

Having been a teacher and now volunteer in a school for 4 to-5-year-old preschoolers, after reading this book I took more notice of dental care. I was stunned at the number of children who had rotted teeth, teeth falling out and bad dental care. Many of these students are from lower-income households where dental care is not a major issue.

Dr. Azar gives a no-nonsense look at oral hygiene for children. I realize and I know the author does too that many of our children are not receiving the oral care they need. He provides many suggestions for how to start children off on good hygiene, the main being adults should set a good example. He talks about what children eat- and those items they should not have a lot of.

One of the things I did not realize is that if we share eating and drinking utensils, we can pass on germs that result in cavities. He did hit on if children have bad oral care it will be noticed by others. I can testify to that. I see it everyday. After reading this book, I called several pediatric dentists, including my granddaughter’s. They told me they wouldn’t turn a child away if they had no dental insurance- their job is to help these children and families. I also met many dentists who work with special needs children.

This is a valuable resource for any parent or guardian. I liked his approach and examples; you could see that he was very concerned about this topic. I don’t think his goal was to make big bucks but to help families in any way he could. I like that he is very concerned about our children and health hygiene. I think parents will find his book to be very helpful. It strives to make our children the best they can be regardless of the environment they are in. “When the Tooth Fairy is Not Enough” by Dr. Xavier Azar is a wonderful resource and a book that needs to be read by all caregivers.

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